How to work offline using MS Outlook 2007

Hi,
I'm trying to access some local Outlook archive files at home. Normally I use my laptop at work connected to the network and the MS Exchange server.

When I start Outlook it takes some time, probably looking for the exchange server, it then says that it failed to connect and asks me if I want to work off line. This is exactly what I want to do, I think, but then MS Outlook starts and closes itself immediately with the message that the information stores cannot be opened.

Does MS Outlook support this way of working? Can you start MS Outlook without being connected to the Exchange server? The term 'mobile' is often used together with MS, probably this is not the kind of 'mobile' working they are referring to, but I thought that it would make sense to support it anyway?

Or Is there a mobile version of MS Outlook that supports this?

I cannot help but think that there must be smarter ways (and tools) to do this (with). Why can't I access these archives of emails at home? Is this a security feature of some sort? Simple tasks that could take minutes to complete, take hours to complete this way.

I tried for example to create a new profile for the home network via control panel, email.

But this just fails with the message: "the time limit for logging on was reached while waiting for system resources. Try again. MAPI 1.0 [00004C2]"

Or are there third party tools that you can recommend that allow me to use my archives of emails? Doesn't need to be free, it is worth a few $ to me. After all, time is money too, and I'm spending a lot of time on this problem right now.

Yes, you can work offline. It depends if your account was setup with cache Exchange mode. In this mode, a local copy of mails are stored on your laptop. This setting is enabled by default, but administrators might disable it. (I can't think wht though).

As for Archive files, you'll have to make sure that the .pst file is stored on your laptop. Unfortunately, it seems as though you'll have to be in the offive to change these settings. After that, you'll be able to work offline.

Yes you need to configure cache mode while you are physically connected with your exchange server. Simply open you email accounts and under the name of your server there is a box saying "use cached exchange mode" - tick that box and Outlook will create a local ost in your laptop thus allowing you to work offline. However you won't be able to receive and send while working offline.

Alternatively you can setup rpc over https. In that way you are connecting to your exchange via internet connection so you can use you Outlook (send & receive) at home just as you are in office. Let me know if this appeals to you and I can enclose more details/instructions (or you can search the web).

0

ostraatenAuthor Commented: 2008-10-10

Using rpc over https sounds promising.

I am however not able to change anything on server side, so I am not sure if it is possible.

Does this use OWA in some way? Because I do have that. It would be nice if I could use the normal client over this OWA https. Is that what you mean?

Managing email signatures in Office 365 can be a challenging task if you don't have the right tool. CodeTwo Email Signatures for Office 365 will help you implement a unified email signature look, no matter what email client is used by users. Test it for free!

You need to configure rpc over https at server AND client. You need to use Exchange in W2K3 environment with XP or Vista clients. Raise this issue to your IT admin/manager to see if it is feasible.

OWA is completely different. It provides "convenience" for users to access emails while on the road. Users are able to log onto their email from generally anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet access. Downside is that OWA is not as user friendly as Outlook and only supports some basic functions. But should be sufficient for email purposes.

Mind you that Cache Exchange Mode is good if you ONLY want a copy of your mailbox. You are restricted to sending/receiving (well you can create new email of course but they will sit in your Outbox until you physically connect to the network). So if you are a user that travels alot then I don't thinnk its suitable.